Elsie Earle Gabriel

Elsie Earle Gabriel went home to Jesus on June 19, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. She was born Elsie Earle Moore on June 25, 1946 in Charlotte, NC and grew up in Statesville, NC. She was active in sports and marched with the Statesville Grenadier band as a musician and majorette before graduating in 1964. She attended Mitchell College and later East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina as a music major. Most importantly in these years she met Charles Andrew "Andy" Gabriel, SHS Class of '63. On June 8, 1968 they married and began their life of adventure with the United States Navy. Elsie spent 28 years working as a navy wife in addition to teaching countless piano and vocal students with her gift of music.

The Navy years, filled with travel, sacrifice and many new and wonderful friends expanded her musical stage. She performed in plays and taught music all over the country with students going on to musical performance careers from New York City to the Southern Gospel scene. Her music was a vehicle to share her love of God and her deep faith. She was a member of the 5 person group, A Joyful Noise, which also included Andy Gabriel on guitar. She was the music and choir director at multiple churches during their travels. In retirement, they returned to Statesville, NC in 1998 and reestablished strong connections with friends from earlier years and continued in close friendship with many Navy friends. One of her favorite pastimes away from home, was traveling around the country in their RV. Five years ago she was diagnosed with cancer, and as she went through treatment she remained steadfast in her faith. She pushed forward through the difficult treatments with grace and kindness. Cancer never defined her. It may have drawn people to her, but they stayed because of her radiant joy for life which shown through despite her ever-weakening and battered body. Upon admission to hospice, when asked what she wanted to do with her remaining time she replied, "I am doing it. I am surrounded by my friends and family, but most importantly, my grandchildren." She died celebrating the joy of heaven and praying for strength for those remaining and grateful for the gift of life given by her Savior. Elsie is survived by her husband Andy; her children Julie Gabriel Marmon (Mike) and Jennifer Gabriel Sherrill, her grandchildren, whom she loved more than life: Gabriel (13) and Jacob (6) Marmon and Tanner (12), Parker (9) and Megan (9) Sherrill; her brother and sister, Bill Moore and Patricia Moore as well as many other loving family members, in-laws and friends. A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, June 27, 2015 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Johnny Kimmons officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Elsie Earle Gabriel to: Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family